Wheeling to get tough with idling village cars

Residents shouldn't see too many idling village cars around town anymore after the Wheeling staff decided to become more environmentally friendly.

The village has an internal policy that requires all staff -- including the police and fire departments in nonemergency situations -- to turn off car engines when they're sitting around.

The village board on Tuesday discussed taking more stringent action by implementing a communitywide ordinance, like Evanston has, that would issue tickets to people in town who have left their cars idle.

However, the trustees agreed that a community education program would be more prudent.

"I don't think we have to go to policy," Trustee Robert Heer said. "Police have enough to do."

He suggested putting information on green efforts on the village's cable channel and in the newsletter along with talking to the local school districts about educating bus drivers on leaving their vehicles idle.

Trustee Dean Argiris said Round Lake Beach recently implemented similar measures, and the police department is hoping to save $25,000 that way.

Assistant Village Manager Jon Sfondilis said the fire chief is calculating how much of a potential money-saver this would be for Wheeling.

He said the village has already been implementing some environmental measures for the community, such as drop-offs for fluorescent lights and prescription drugs and promotions of hazardous waste collection.

The newsletter has also included information on items such as rain gardens, and the development of the new village hall and public works building include using white roofs. The roofs reflect sunlight and help save energy by keeping buildings cooler.

The village also already has one hybrid Toyota Prius in its fleet and may be acquiring more in the future.